"Woof woof woof woof woof woof woof!"

After a moment of daze, a series of dog barking followed.

Bear Cub heard the unmistakable laughter in the barking, angrily waved its paw, but suddenly realized this exposed its swollen face, so it quickly covered its cheeks again.

"Hmm?"

Flame-tailed Fox tilted its head, looking puzzled.

Where was that little Bear Cub from earlier?

"Ooh."

Ice Fox stared at Bear Cub’s swollen face for a moment, deciding this wasn’t the same Bear Cub, and shook its head.

"Roar..."

Bear Cub hung its head and let out a sorrowful roar.

"Roar."

Mr. Xiong grinned, baring his teeth, and reached out with his rough big paw to pat Bear Cub’s head.

Though Bear Cub had been stung by a sneaky Attendant Bee, it managed to grab the hive at a crucial moment and successfully brought it back.

It completed the task perfectly.

The flames illuminated the cave, and the translucent Silver Snow Sturgeon was placed on a branch, crackling over the bonfire below.

The Silver Snow Sturgeon was large, and just the bonfire couldn’t cook it quickly, so Spark stood by, carefully controlling the flames, roasting under Chen Yuan’s guidance.

Seeing Flame-tailed Fox appear, Chen Yuan enthusiastically waved, "Come on, lend a hand."

Flame-tailed Fox’s expression froze; it knew coming over meant nothing good!

But upon seeing the gentle smile on Chen Yuan’s face, its limbs disobeyed, walking forward to squat obediently beside Chen Yuan.

"Grilling fish requires controlling the heat, so it helps improve your skill control too. Come, try it first," Chen Yuan said slowly.

Flame-tailed Fox obediently followed Chen Yuan’s instructions, attempting to spray flames, roasting the Silver Snow Sturgeon.

The evening grew darker, with the night breeze lightly blowing through the forest, leaves rustling. Occasionally, a bird flew into the night but was attracted by the cave’s firelight, perching on a branch, gazing down.

The bright flames lit the cave, Chen Yuan leaned against the rock wall, occasionally flipping the Silver Snow Sturgeon.

Spark and Flame-tailed Fox stood on either side, spurting flames now and then, roasting the Silver Snow Sturgeon from various angles.

Honey spread on the Silver Snow Sturgeon, the originally translucent fish slices shimmered with a layer of golden light, constantly enticing the little creatures in the cave.

Although the roasted fish didn’t emit any aroma, the already hungry little creatures smelled the most tempting fragrance.

Mr. Xiong sat on the ground, eyes fixed on the Silver Snow Sturgeon, blinking every time Chen Yuan flipped the fish, swallowing his saliva.

Bear Cub nestled in Mr. Xiong’s arms, stared longingly at the Silver Snow Sturgeon, occasionally patting its belly.

So hungry~

Cola lay at the cave entrance, gazing upwards, countless stars reflecting in its eyes.

One star.

Two stars.

...

Ten stars.

Cola blinked, its eyes flickering with bewilderment.

It lowered its head to look at its two paws, then raised them, glancing repeatedly.

What comes after ten again?

"Woof..."

Unable to find an answer, Cola simply stopped pondering, its fluffy big tail swayed as it turned to look at Chen Yuan, "Woof?"

Master, I’m starving!

Cola’s not the only one starving; the Fallen Meteor Horned Beast had long suppressed its hunger by eating some provisions.

Twin Flower Concubine wasn’t hungry; it simply sat quietly on Chen Yuan’s shoulder, purple eyes gazing into the dark night, imagining the scene when Black-striped Spider uses Poison Skills.

"Alright."

Suddenly sounded, making all little creatures raise their heads, only to see Chen Yuan smiling slightly, "Thanks for waiting."

"Woof woof woof."

Cola dashed to Chen Yuan’s side, lying down eagerly watching him.

Chen Yuan cut a piece of fish with a small knife, glanced around every corner, his gaze finally landing on Mr. Xiong, "You’re the hero, you eat first."

Mr. Xiong actively dove into the Cold Pond, lured the Silver Snow Sturgeon to the surface, and engaged in close combat.

In so many words, if Mr. Xiong doesn’t eat, none of the little creatures can start.

Mr. Xiong accepted the fish piece without hesitation, munching it down under the watchful eyes of all the little creatures.

Gulp.

The cave was silent, only the sound of gulping resonating constantly.

A moment later,

"Roar!"

Mr. Xiong’s eyes lit up, his face showing a satisfied smile.

Honestly, given the limited conditions, the grilled fish taste was ordinary, but the meat quality of the Silver Snow Sturgeon compensated for it.

The fish was cool and refreshing, chewing felt like gulping down a bottle of ice water on a hot summer day, the cool sensation spreading throughout the body, every pore expanding.

Quickly, the roasted flavor filled the mouth, mixed with the sweet aroma of honey, combining with the cool sensation like eating hot steaming hotpot on a snowy winter day.

Summer and winter, cool and heat, surging in the mouth.

Plus the already hungry stomach, this mouthful of fish becomes the most delicious food in the world. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Woof woof!"

Seeing Mr. Xiong’s reaction, Cola bit Chen Yuan’s pant leg, vigorously wagging its tail.

Master, quick quick quick!

For a while, Chen Yuan was surrounded by one expecting look after another; he patted Cola’s head, chuckling, "Don’t worry, everyone’s included."

Then Chen Yuan turned into an emotionless meat-cutting machine, slicing piece after piece of fish for each little creature.

Until Chen Yuan’s stomach rumbled, he simply got Mr. Xiong to help divide the Silver Snow Sturgeon into several big chunks, letting little creatures nibble directly.

After all, the Silver Snow Sturgeon was big enough for every little creature to eat their fill.

The night was deep, the affectionate night breeze blew through the cave, bright flames lighting up happy faces.

Neither Chen Yuan nor the little creatures spoke, quietly eating the fish, with only subtle chewing sounds echoing in the cave.

They enjoyed the feast; they cherished the tranquil night.

Until Chen Yuan rubbed his slightly protruding belly, smiling contentedly, "I’m full."

"What about you?" he asked.

Only the wind and snores responded.

"Goodnight."